Barry County investigators say a 16-year-old girl placed her baby in a plastic bag then hid it in her closet. The infant girl was found dead just one day after she was born.

Investigators say it all started in Bentonville, Arkansas. A doctor was treating the teen for a miscarriage. The doctor saw signs that a child was born alive. He called local investigators in Barry County who got permission to search the home.

Sheriff Mick Epperly says, “I've had some officers go home and hug their babies." He says it’s rare a case can bring almost an entire sheriff's department to tears. Sheriff Epperly says, “There were tears in everyone's eyes at the crime scene."

Another father of three, Jimmie Main, lives down the street from the crime scene. He's holding his daughters a little closer after KSPR told him the news. Main says, “I think of my own daughter she's 17." Investigators say the 16-year-old girl who lived down the street from Main had a secret. Sheriff Epperly says, “She did know she was possibly pregnant."

Investigators say instead of calling an ambulance, the teen gave birth in her mobile home. Epperly says, “The baby was hidden in a closet it was also in a plastic bag." The girl finally told investigators where to find the baby after her doctor called Barry County officials with suspicions. Epperly says, “The doctor said I believe this juvenile has had a baby."

Investigators are questioning the teen's family and friends. Epperly says, “The baby had breathed some but we don't know the exact cause of death."

Investigators don't think family members knew even though the teen's sister helped her clean up a mess. Epperly says, “The sister mentioned seeing a bag and that she didn't see it again." He says the case isn't closed until investigators know exactly how the baby died and who knew she existed.

Investigators say they don't know much about the baby's father. The teen's future is also unclear. If charged, she could face second degree murder. A judge would decide if she will be tried as an adult or a juvenile.